ESA SG Contributuions and UC Application

Hippo99
Hippo99 Online Community Member Posts: 3 Listener
in Universal Credit (UC)
Dear All.

Have existing claim for ESA SG Contributions based. Long term.

I'm NOT currently claiming UC but having used the online calculators have established that I'd be about £270 better off if I claimed UC.  This is due to help with my Housing costs and Disability premium.

I'm am worried about having to provide an additional medical certificate to the WC.

My current understanding is that when I apply for UC, the WC will contact the ESA department and Verify that I am indeed on ESA SG.  My understanding is that the WC will Not then require a new, additional medical certificate when awarding me LCWRA in UC.

However, I have nagging doubts about the above.  Can anyone confirm either way? 

Will the WC ask me for a new medical certificate as part of the UC application process or rely on the confirmation from ESA SG department?

Thank you

Mike

Comments

  • calcotti
    calcotti Online Community Member Posts: 10,000 Championing
    Because it takes time to get information from ESA they may ask you for a Fit Note from your GP when you claim. (They shoudn’t).

    When you say disability premium in UC you presumably mean the LCWRA element? Disability premium is something that could be paid with older benefits.

    Do you receive any other benefits at the moment? Are you single of do you have a partner?
  • Hippo99
    Hippo99 Online Community Member Posts: 3 Listener
    Thank for reply.  Thats's what I thought....... they shouldn't but might do.

    Anyone else had experience of this process, please let me know.

    Yes I did mean the LCWRA element.

    Single person.  Own my own cheap flat so not claiming LHA.  But do get CTS.

    Depending on replies here I might summon up the courage to apply for UC in next few months.
  • calcotti
    calcotti Online Community Member Posts: 10,000 Championing
    edited February 2023
    When you say contribution based ESA do you mean the old contribution based ESA or new style ESA?
  • poppy123456
    poppy123456 Online Community Member Posts: 64,456 Championing
    edited February 2023
    Hippo99 said:

    Single person.  Own my own cheap flat so not claiming LHA. 

    As you own your own home you will not be able to claim for help with any rent. As a single person i can't see how you would be £270/month better off by claiming UC. Your ESA contributions based will continue as normal but it will be deducted in full from any UC entitlement. You will very likely be better off but not by as much you think.
    UC standard element over 25. £334.91+ LCWRA element £354.28 = £689.19 - £509.60 (ESA) gives a total UC amount of. £179.59/month.
  • calcotti
    calcotti Online Community Member Posts: 10,000 Championing
    OP you haven’t answered
    calcotti said:
    When you say contribution based ESA do you mean the old contribution based ESA or new style ESA?
    And
    calcotti said:
    Do you receive any other benefits at the moment? Are you single of do you have a partner?
    The answers to the above questions affect what advice is appropriate.
  • poppy123456
    poppy123456 Online Community Member Posts: 64,456 Championing
    edited February 2023

    calcotti said:
    Do you receive any other benefits at the moment? Are you single of do you have a partner?
    The answers to the above questions affect what advice is appropriate.

    They answered some of the questions here.
    Hippo99 said:

    Single person.  Own my own cheap flat so not claiming LHA.  But do get CTS.


  • calcotti
    calcotti Online Community Member Posts: 10,000 Championing
    edited February 2023
    poppy123456 said:
    calcotti said:
    Do you receive any other benefits at the moment? Are you single of do you have a partner?
    The answers to the above questions affect what advice is appropriate.
    They answered some of the questions here.
    Hippo99 said:

    Single person.  Own my own cheap flat so not claiming LHA.  But do get CTS.
    I missed the answer to relationship status but still not clear if it is old or new style ESA. I infer that OP doesn’t get a disability benefit such as DLA or PIP.
  • Hippo99
    Hippo99 Online Community Member Posts: 3 Listener
    edited February 2023
    poppy.

    If you own your own flat then the UC people pay your 'service charge' that is what leaseholders pay to a management company to maintain the building and grounds.  Its around £100 a month hence my £270 initial post.  UC call it help with housing costs but I can see the confusion from your point of view.  

    calcotti

    It's the Old style ESA contributions not New Style contributions.

    i really just wanted to know how likely it was the WC would ask for a new sick note.  I suspect the answer is a 'maybe'
  • calcotti
    calcotti Online Community Member Posts: 10,000 Championing
    Hippo99 said:
    It's the Old style ESA contributions not New Style contributions.
    So you could be assessed for income based ESA but obviously that would not give you help with rent, As you are not getting PIP you will definitely have more on UC than ESA. If you were getting PIP you would be better off on income based ESA which is why I was asking the questions.

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